Gosnell Cup Winners

The Gosnell Cup

Introduction

The table below lists all the winners of the Gosnell Cup since it was first contested in 1940. The Cup has sometimes (incorrectly) been called the Freshers Cup. It is a fine silver rose bowl with a wooden plinth, originally won outright (three consecutive victories) by Ralph Gosnell in his 5 Rater at Tamesis SC in 1902. It was presented in 1939 by Mrs Gosnell in memory of her husband Ralph Gosnell, Vice Commodore 1923-25 and 1936-39, for a new members race.

Some History

The race has usually been sailed in the Easter Term. Where this has varied, the academic year has been used to avoid two different winners appearing in the same year. In 1996 George Nurton and Rob Buthune agreed to share the cup because, on a really windy day, when only George and Rob made the start, George’s mast fell down at the final gybe mark when he was a lap ahead of Rob, who had capsized twice, and a re-sail was not possible. After the (Michaelmas Term) Gosnell Cup race of 2013, the competition was suspended because of the pressures of trials, training, and team racing events on the Club’s sailing program.